I am very pleased to have been appointed to the board of directors of Brightpoint, Inc. (NASDAQ:CELL) on September 15, 2010. In 2009 Brightpoint was included on the FORTUNE 500, and in 2007, 2009, and 2010 Brightpoint was selected as one of America's Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE Magazine, ranking in the top five of the "Wholesalers: Electronics" category each year.  I replaced James W.P. Reid-Anderson, who resigned from the Board of Directors in connection with his appointment as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

Brightpoint is a global leader in providing supply chain solutions to leading stakeholders in the wireless industry.  In 2009, Brightpoint handled approximately 84 million wireless devices globally. Brightpoint's innovative services include distribution channel management, procurement, inventory management, software loading, kitting and customized packaging, fulfillment, product customization, eBusiness solutions, and other outsourced services that integrate seamlessly with its customers.

Brightpoint's effective and efficient platform allows its customers to benefit from quickly deployed, flexible, and cost effective solutions. The company has approximately 2,700 employees in more than 25 countries. In 2009, Brightpoint generated revenue of $3.2 billion. Brightpoint provides distribution and customized services to more than 25,000 B2B customers worldwide.

Additional information about Brightpoint can be found on its website at www.brightpoint.com, or by calling its toll-free Information and Investor Relations line at 877-IIR-CELL (877-447-2355).

The Brightpoint board includes Robert Laikin, founder of Brightpoint, who has served as a member of the board of directors since its inception in August 1989. Mr. Laikin has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since January 1994. Jerre L. Stead currently serves as the Company's Lead Independent Director. From 1996 until his June 1, 2000 retirement, Mr. Stead was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ingram Micro Inc., a leading distributor of computers and peripherals.  Since 2006, Mr. Stead has served as Chairman of the Board and CEO for IHS, one of the leading global providers of critical technical information, decision-support tools, and related services to customers in the energy, defense, aerospace, construction, electronics, and automotive industries.

Eliza Hermann serves as a Non-Executive Director on the board of the National Health Service for Hertfordshire in the UK, where she is chairperson of the Finance and Performance Committee, and she holds a Crown appointment as an independent Civil Service Commissioner. She was formerly employed by BP plc from 1985-2008 where she served most recently as Vice President Human Resources at global headquarters for 7 years, and was previously part of the business leadership in the oil and gas exploration and production division for over 10 years.

Cynthia Lucchese has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hillenbrand effective February, 2008. From 2005 to 2007, she served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Thoratec Corporation. Marisa E. Pratt is Senior Director of Global Finance at IHS Inc.

Tom Ridge became the first Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and, on January 24, 2003, became the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland. Governor Ridge served as Secretary of this historic and critical endeavor until February 1, 2005. Twice elected as Governor of Pennsylvania, Governor Ridge's aggressive technology strategy helped fuel the state's advances in economic development, education, health care and the environment. From 1999 to 2000, Richard Roedel was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the accounting firm BDO Seidman LLP. Mr. Roedel is a director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Sealy Corporation, Lorillard, Inc., Broadview Networks Holdings, Inc. and Luna Innovations Incorporated.

Kari-Pekka Wilska is one of the cellular industry's true pioneers, "K-P" Wilska has been a driving force in Nokia's rise to its position as the largest wireless supplier in the world. Since joining Nokia in 1973, Mr. Wilska has held numerous management and marketing positions, serving in executive posts with Nokia Inc., Vertu Ltd., Nokia Mobile Phones, Nokia Cellular Systems, Nokia Telecommunications, Kinex Corporation and Mobira Oy. Mr. Wilska retired from Nokia in 2005.  In November 2005, Mr. Wilska joined Austin Ventures as a venture partner.

Mr. Stead, said about my appointment, "John's experience and expertise are extremely valuable to our Board of Directors and the entire Board is delighted to have the opportunity to work with John as Brightpoint executes its growth strategy during this exciting phase of the global wireless technology industry."
I could not be more excited or enthusiastic about the opportunity.